Apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member that includes a valve assembly for permitting the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the tubular member and a preexisting structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/450,504, filed on Feb. 26, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the following applications: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, (3) U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,937, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/169,434, filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/183,546, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, (6) U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,903, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (8) U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,240, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,907, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (9) U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (10) U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,154, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,916, filed on Oct. 18, 2001 as a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, (12) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/146,203, filed on Jul. 29, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/143,039, filed on Jul. 9, 1999, (14) U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,067, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,982, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. 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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to oil and gas exploration, and in particular to forming and repairing wellbore casings to facilitate oil and gas exploration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a tubular support member defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages and comprising internal splines; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the tubular support member; a tubular stinger defining an internal passage coupled to and positioned within the tubular support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member; a tubular member coupled to the shoe defining an internal passage comprising a plug seat, one or more upper radial flow ports positioned above the plug seat, and one or more lower radial flow ports positioned below the plug seat, and comprising an external flange for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and external splines for engaging the internal splines of the tubular support member, wherein an end of the tubular member receives an end of the tubular stinger and is also received within and sealingly engages and end of the tubular support member; and a tubular sliding sleeve valve received within and sealingly engaging the internal passage of the tubular member defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages and comprising a collet for releasably engaging an end of the tubular stinger.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure comprises: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure before radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a support member; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more pressure sensors coupled to the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; and a movable valve coupled to the support member for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the interior of the expandable tubular member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a support member defining one or more radial passages; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more frangible valve elements coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a tubular member defining an internal passage having a plug seat and one or more radial passages movably coupled to the support member and coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member and sealing engaging an interior surface of another portion of the second portion of the expandable tubular member; and a movable valve defining one or more radial passages releasably coupled to the support member and positioned within the internal passage of the tubular member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes injecting fluidic material into the tubular member; sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material; and if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes sensing the operating pressure within the tubular member; and if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined valve, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; and if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined valve, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes supporting the tubular member within the preexisting structure using a support member; controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements that are coupled to an end of the tubular member; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; and if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined valve, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device; wherein during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member using the expansion device, the expansion device is displaced away from the valve elements; and wherein one or more of the valve elements are releasably coupled to the support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 2, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and 2 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIGS. 3, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, and 3 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

FIGS. 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 5, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, and 5 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIGS. 6, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, and 6 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

FIGS. 7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, and 7 e are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, and 8 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, and 7 e during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIGS. 9, 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, and 9 d are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, and 7 e during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 12 that defines a internal passage 12 a and includes a threaded connection 12 b at one end and a threaded connection 12 c at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 10, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member 14 that defines a passage 14 a may be coupled to the threaded connection 12 b of the tubular support member 12.

An end of a tubular support 16 that defines an internal passage 16 a and radial passages, 16 b and 16 c, and includes an external annular recess 16 d, an external flange 16 e, and an internal flange 16 f is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 12. A tubular expansion cone 18 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 18 a is received within and is coupled to the external annular recess 16 d of the tubular support 16 and an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts an end face of the external sleeve 16 e of the tubular support.

A threaded connection 20 a of an end of a tubular support 20 that defines an internal passage 20 b and radial passages, 20 c and 20 d, and includes a threaded connection 20 e, an external flange 20 f, and internal splines 20 g at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 12 c of the other end of the tubular support 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the external flange 20 f of the tubular support 20 abuts the internal flange 16 f of the tubular support 16. Rupture discs, 22 a and 22 b, are received and mounted within the radial passages, 20 c and 20 d, respectively, of the tubular support 20.

A threaded connection 24 a of an end of a tubular stinger 24 that defines an internal passage 24 b and includes an external annular recess 24 c and an external flange 24 d at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 20 e of the tubular support 20. An expandable tubular member 26 that defines an internal passage 26 a for receiving the tubular supports 12, 14, 16, and 20 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 18 a of the tubular expansion cone 18 that includes an upper portion 26 b having a smaller inside diameter and a lower portion 26 c having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 26 d.

A threaded connection 28 a of a shoe 28 that defines internal passages, 28 b, 28 c, 28 d, 28 e, and 28 f, and includes another threaded connection 28 g is coupled to the threaded connection 26 d of the lower portion 26 c of the expandable tubular member 26. A conventional one-way poppet valve 30 is movably coupled to the shoe 28 and includes a valve element 30 a for controllably sealing an opening of the internal passage 28 c of the shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 30 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 10.

A threaded connection 32 a at an end of a tubular body 32 that defines an internal passage 32 b, having a plug valve seat 32 ba, upper flow ports, 32 c and 32 d, and lower flow ports, 32 e and 32 f, and includes an external flange 32 g for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 26, external splines 32 h for mating with and engaging the internal splines 20 g of the tubular support 20, and an internal annular recess 32 i is coupled to the threaded connection 28 g of the shoe 28. Another end of the tubular body 32 is received within an annulus defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular support 20 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 24, and sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular support 20.

A sliding sleeve valve 34 is movably received and supported within the internal passage 32 b of the tubular body 32 that defines an internal passage 34 a and radial passages, 34 b and 34 c, and includes collet fingers 34 d at one end positioned within the annular recess 32 i of the tubular body for releasably engaging the external flange 24 d of the tubular stinger 24. The sliding sleeve valve 34 sealingly engages the internal surface of the internal passage 32 b of the tubular body 32, and blocks the upper flow ports, 32 c and 32 d, of the tubular body. A valve guide pin 33 is coupled to the tubular body 32 for engaging the collet fingers 34 d of the sliding sleeve valve 34 and thereby guiding and limiting the movement of the sliding sleeve valve.

During operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d, the apparatus 10 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 36 that traverses a subterranean formation 38. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 10 within the wellbore 36, fluidic materials 40 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore 36 though the internal passages 14 a, 12 a, 20 b, 24 b, 34 a, 32 b, 28 b, 28 c, 28 d, 28 e, and 28 f.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and 2 d, during operation of the apparatus 10, a conventional plug valve element 42 may then be injected into the apparatus through the passages 14 a, 12 a, 20 b, 24 b, 34 a, and 32 b until the plug valve element is seated in the plug seat 32 ba of the internal passage of the tubular body 32. As a result, the flow of fluidic materials through the lower portion of the internal passage 32 b of the tubular body 32 is blocked. Continued injection of fluidic materials 40 into the apparatus 10, following the seating of the plug valve element 42 in the plug seat 32 ba of the internal passage of the tubular body 32, pressurizes the internal passage 20 b of the tubular support and thereby causes the rupture discs, 22 a and 22 b, to be ruptured thereby opening the internal passages, 20 c and 20 d, of the tubular support 20. As a result, fluidic materials 40 are then conveyed through the internal passages, 20 c and 20 d, and radial passages, 16 c and 16 d, thereby pressurizing a region within the apparatus 10 below the tubular expansion cone 18. As a result, the tubular support 12, tubular support 14, tubular support 16, tubular expansion cone 18, tubular support 20, and tubular stinger 24 are displaced upwardly in the direction 44 relative to the expandable tubular member 26, shoe 28, tubular body 32, and sliding sleeve valve 34 thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member.

During the continued upward displacement of the tubular support 12, tubular support 14, tubular support 16, tubular expansion cone 18, tubular support 20, and tubular stinger 24 in the direction 44 relative to the expandable tubular member 26, shoe 28, tubular body 32, and sliding sleeve valve 34, the upward movement of the sliding sleeve valve is prevented by the operation of the valve guide pin 33. Consequently, at some point, the collet fingers 34 d of the sliding sleeve valve 34 disengage from the external flange 24 d of the tubular stinger 24.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, and 3 d, during operation of the apparatus 10, before radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 26, the tubular support 12, tubular support 14, tubular support 16, tubular expansion cone 18, tubular support 20, and tubular stinger 24 are displaced downwardly in the direction 46 relative to the expandable tubular member 26, shoe 28, tubular body 32, and sliding sleeve valve 34 by, for example, setting the apparatus down onto the bottom of the wellbore 36. As a result, the other end of the tubular stinger 24 impacts and displaces the sliding sleeve valve 34 downwardly in the direction 48 thereby aligning the internal passages, 32 c and 32 d, of the tubular body 32, with the internal passages, 34 b and 34 c, of the sliding sleeve valve. A hardenable fluidic sealing material 50 may then be injected into the apparatus 10 through the internal passages 14 a, 12 a, 20 b, 24 b, and 34 a, into and through the internal passages 32 c and 32 d and 34 b and 34 c, into and through an annulus 52 defined between the interior of the expandable tubular member 26 and the exterior of the tubular body 32, and then out of the apparatus through the internal passages 32 e and 32 f of the tubular body and the internal passages 28 b, 28 c, 28 d, 28 e, and 28 f of the shoe 28 into the annulus between the exterior surface of the expandable tubular member and the interior surface of the wellbore 36. As a result, an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material such as, for example, cement is formed within the annulus between the exterior surface of the expandable tubular member 26 and the interior surface of the wellbore 36. Before, during, or after the curing of the annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material, the apparatus may then be operated as described above with reference to FIG. 2 to radially expand and plastically deform the expandable tubular member 26.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 112 that defines a internal passage 112 a and includes a threaded connection 112 b at one end and a threaded connection 112 c at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 100, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member 114 that defines a passage 114 a may be coupled to the threaded connection 112 b of the tubular support member 112.

An end of a tubular support 116 that defines an internal passage 116 a and radial passages, 116 b and 116 c, and includes an external annular recess 116 d, an external flange 116 e, and an internal flange 116 f is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 112. A tubular expansion cone 118 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 118 a is received within and is coupled to the external annular recess 116 d of the tubular support 116 and an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts an end face of the external sleeve 116 e of the tubular support.

A threaded connection 120 a of an end of a tubular support 120 that defines an internal passage 120 b and radial passages, 120 c and 120 d, and includes a threaded connection 120 e, an external flange 120 f, and internal splines 120 g at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 112 c of the other end of the tubular support 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the external flange 120 f of the tubular support 120 abuts the internal flange 116 f of the tubular support 116. Rupture discs, 122 a and 122 b, are received and mounted within the radial passages, 120 c and 120 d, respectively, of the tubular support 120.

A threaded connection 124 a of an end of a tubular stinger 124 that defines an internal passage 124 b and includes an external annular recess 124 c and an external flange 124 d at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 120 e of the tubular support 120. An expandable tubular member 126 that defines an internal passage 126 a for receiving the tubular supports 112, 114, 116, and 120 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 118 a of the tubular expansion cone 118 that includes an upper portion 126 b having a smaller inside diameter and a lower portion 126 c having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 126 d.

A threaded connection 128 a of a shoe 128 that defines internal passages, 128 b, 128 c, 128 d, 128 e, and 128 f, and includes another threaded connection 128 g is coupled to the threaded connection 126 d of the lower portion 126 c of the expandable tubular member 126. Pins, 129 a and 129 b, coupled to the shoe 128 and the lower portion 126 c of the expandable tubular member 126 prevent disengagement of the threaded connections, 126 d and 128 a, of the expandable tubular member and shoe. A conventional one-way poppet valve 130 is movably coupled to the shoe 128 and includes a valve element 130 a for controllably sealing an opening of the internal passage 128 c of the shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 130 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 100.

A threaded connection 132 a at an end of a tubular body 132 that defines an internal passage 132 b, having a plug valve seat 132 ba, upper flow ports, 132 c and 132 d, and lower flow ports, 132 e and 132 f, and includes an external flange 132 g for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 126, external splines 132 h for mating with and engaging the internal splines 120 g of the tubular support 120, and an internal annular recess 132 i is coupled to the threaded connection 128 g of the shoe 128. Another end of the tubular body 132 is received within an annulus defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular support 120 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 124, and sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular support 120. An annular passage 133 is further defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular body 132 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 124.

A sliding sleeve valve 134 is movably received and supported within the internal passage 132 b of the tubular body 132 that defines an internal passage 134 a and radial passages, 134 b and 134 c, and includes collet fingers 134 d at one end positioned within the annular recess 132 i of the tubular body for releasably engaging the external flange 124 d of the tubular stinger 124. The sliding sleeve valve 134 sealingly engages the internal surface of the internal passage 132 b of the tubular body 132, and blocks the upper flow ports, 132 c and 132 d, of the tubular body. A valve guide pin 135 is coupled to the tubular body 132 for engaging the collet fingers 134 d of the sliding sleeve valve 134 and thereby guiding and limiting the movement of the sliding sleeve valve.

During operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d, the apparatus 100 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 36 that traverses a subterranean formation 38. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 100 within the wellbore 36, fluidic materials 140 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore 36 though the internal passages 114 a, 112 a, 120 b, 124 b, 134 a, 132 b, 128 b, 128 c, 128 d, 128 e, and 128 f.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, and 5 d, during operation of the apparatus 100, a conventional plug valve element 142 may then be injected into the apparatus through the passages 114 a, 112 a, 120 b, 124 b, 134 a, and 132 b until the plug valve element is seated in the plug seat 132 ba of the internal passage of the tubular body 132. As a result, the flow of fluidic materials through the lower portion of the internal passage 132 b of the tubular body 132 is blocked. Continued injection of fluidic materials 140 into the apparatus 100, following the seating of the plug valve element 142 in the plug seat 132 ba of the internal passage of the tubular body 132, pressurizes the internal annular passage 135 and thereby causes the rupture discs, 122 a and 122 b, to be ruptured thereby opening the internal passages, 120 c and 120 d, of the tubular support 120. As a result, fluidic materials 140 are then conveyed through the internal passages, 120 c and 120 d, thereby pressurizing a region within the apparatus 100 below the tubular expansion cone 118. As a result, the tubular support 112, tubular support 114, tubular support 116, tubular expansion cone 118, tubular support 120, and tubular stinger 124 are displaced upwardly in the direction 144 relative to the expandable tubular member 126, shoe 128, tubular body 132, and sliding sleeve valve 134 thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member.

During the continued upward displacement of the tubular support 112, tubular support 114, tubular support 116, tubular expansion cone 118, tubular support 120, and tubular stinger 124 in the direction 144 relative to the expandable tubular member 126, shoe 128, tubular body 132, and sliding sleeve valve 134, the upward movement of the sliding sleeve valve is prevented by the operation of the valve guide pin 135. Consequently, at some point, the collet fingers 134 d of the sliding sleeve valve 134 disengage from the external flange 124 d of the tubular stinger 124.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, and 6 d, during operation of the apparatus 100, before or after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 126, the tubular support 112, tubular support 114, tubular support 116, tubular expansion cone 118, tubular support 120, and tubular stinger 124 are displaced downwardly in the direction 146 relative to the expandable tubular member 126, shoe 128, tubular body 132, and sliding sleeve valve 134 by, for example, setting the apparatus down onto the bottom of the wellbore 36. As a result, the end of the tubular body 132 that is received within the annulus defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular support 120 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 124 and that sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular support 120 is displaced upwardly relative to the tubular support and tubular stinger thereby preventing fluidic materials from passing through the annular passage 133 into the radial passages, 120 c and 120 d, of the tubular support. Furthermore, as a result, the other end of the tubular stinger 124 impacts and displaces the sliding sleeve valve 134 downwardly in the direction 148 thereby aligning the internal passages, 132 c and 132 d, of the tubular body 132, with the internal passages, 134 b and 134 c, respectively, of the sliding sleeve valve. A hardenable fluidic sealing material 150 may then be injected into the apparatus 100 through the internal passages 114 a, 112 a, 120 b, 124 b, and 134 a, into and through the internal passages 132 c and 132 d and 134 b and 134 c, into and through an annulus 152 defined between the interior of the expandable tubular member 126 and the exterior of the tubular body 132, and then out of the apparatus through the internal passages 132 e and 132 f of the tubular body and the internal passages 128 b, 128 c, 128 d, 128 e, and 128 f of the shoe 128 into the annulus between the exterior surface of the expandable tubular member and the interior surface of the wellbore 36. As a result, an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material such as, for example, cement is formed within the annulus between the exterior surface of the expandable tubular member 126 and the interior surface of the wellbore 36. Before, during, or after the curing of the annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material, the apparatus may then be operated as described above with reference to FIG. 5 to radially expand and plastically deform the expandable tubular member 126.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d and 7 e, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 200 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 212 that defines a internal passage 212 a and includes a threaded connection 212 b at one end and a threaded connection 212 c at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 200, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member 214 that defines a passage 214 a may be coupled to the threaded connection 212 b of the tubular support member 212.

An end of a tubular support 216 that defines an internal passage 216 a and radial passages, 216 b and 216 c, and includes an external annular recess 216 d, an external flange 216 e, and an internal flange 216 f is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 212. A tubular expansion cone 218 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 218 a is received within and is coupled to the external annular recess 216 d of the tubular support 216 and an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts an end face of the external sleeve 216 e of the tubular support.

A threaded connection 220 a of an end of a tubular support 220 that defines an internal passage 220 b and radial passages, 220 c and 220 d, and includes a threaded connection 220 e, an external flange 220 f, and internal splines 220 g at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 212 c of the other end of the tubular support 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the external flange 220 f of the tubular support 220 abuts the internal flange 216 f of the tubular support 216. Rupture discs, 222 a and 222 b, are received and mounted within the radial passages, 220 c and 220 d, respectively, of the tubular support 220.

A threaded connection 224 a of an end of a tubular stinger 224 that defines an internal passage 224 b and includes an external annular recess 224 c and an external flange 224 d at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 220 e of the tubular support 220. An expandable tubular member 226 that defines an internal passage 226 a for receiving the tubular supports 212, 214, 216, and 220 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 218 a of the tubular expansion cone 218 that includes an upper portion 226 b having a smaller inside diameter and a lower portion 226 c having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 226 d.

A threaded connection 228 a of a shoe 228 that defines internal passages, 228 b, 228 c, and 228 d, and includes a threaded connection 228 e at one end and a threaded connection 228 f at another end is coupled to the threaded connection 226 d of the lower portion 226 c of the expandable tubular member 226. Pins, 230 a and 230 b, coupled to the shoe 228 and the lower portion 226 c of the expandable tubular member 226 prevent disengagement of the threaded connections, 226 d and 228 a, of the expandable tubular member and shoe. A threaded connection 232 a of a shoe insert 232 that defines internal passages 232 b and 232 c is coupled to the threaded connection 228 f of the shoe 228. In an exemplary embodiment, the shoe 228 and/or the shoe insert 232 are fabricated from composite materials in order to reduce the weight and cost of the components.

A conventional one-way poppet valve 234 is movably coupled to the shoe 228 and includes a valve element 234 a for controllably sealing an opening of the internal passage 228 c of the shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 234 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 200.

A threaded end 236 a of a tubular plug seat 236 that defines an internal passage 236 b having a plug seat 236 ba and lower flow ports, 236 c and 236 d, is coupled to the threaded connection 228 e of the shoe 228. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular plug seat 236 is fabricated from aluminum in order to reduce weight and cost of the component. A tubular body 238 defines an internal passage 238 a, lower flow ports, 238 b and 238 c, and upper flow ports, 238 d and 238 e, and includes an internal annular recess 238 f at one end that mates with and receives the other end of the tubular plug seat 236, and an internal annular recess 238 g and an external flange 238 h for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 226 at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular body 238 is fabricated from a composite material in order to reduce weight and cost of the component.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7 a, the tubular body 238 further defines longitudinal passages, 238 i and 238 j, for fluidicly coupling the upper and lower flow ports, 238 d and 238 e and 238 b and 238 c, respectively.

One or more retaining pins 240 couple the other end of the tubular plug seat 236 to the internal annular recess 238 f of the tubular body.

An end of a sealing sleeve 242 that defines an internal passage 242 a and upper flow ports, 242 b and 242 c, and includes external splines 242 d that mate with and receive the internal splines 220 g of the tubular support 220 and an internal annular recess 242 e is received within and mates with the internal annular recess 238 g at the other end of the tubular body. The other end of the sealing sleeve 242 is received within an annulus defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular support 220 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 224, and sealingly engages the interior surface of the other end of the tubular support 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing sleeve 242 is fabricated from aluminum in order to reduce weight and cost of the component. One or more retaining pins 243 coupled the end of the sealing sleeve 242 to the internal annular recess 238 g at the other end of the tubular body 238. An annular passage 244 is further defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular body sealing sleeve 242 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 224.

A sliding sleeve valve 246 is movably received and supported within the internal passage 242 a of the sealing sleeve 242 that defines an internal passage 246 a and radial passages, 246 b and 246 c, and includes collet fingers 246 d at one end positioned within the annular recess 242 e of the sealing sleeve for releasably engaging the external flange 224 d of the tubular stinger 224. The sliding sleeve valve 246 sealingly engages the internal surface of the internal passage 242 a of the sealing sleeve 242, and blocks the upper flow ports, 242 b and 242 c and 238 d and 238 e, of the sealing sleeve and the tubular body, respectively. A valve guide pin 248 is coupled to the sealing sleeve 242 for engaging the collet fingers 246 d of the sliding sleeve valve 246 and thereby guiding and limiting the movement of the sliding sleeve valve.

During operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d and 7 e, the apparatus 200 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 36 that traverses a subterranean formation 38. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 200 within the wellbore 36, fluidic materials 250 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore 36 though the internal passages 214 a, 212 a, 220 b, 224 b, 246 a, 242 a, 238 a, 236 b, 228 b, 228 c, 228 d, 232 b, and 232 c.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, and 8 d, during operation of the apparatus 200, a conventional plug valve element 252 may then be injected into the apparatus through the passages 214 a, 212 a, 220 b, 224 b, 246 a, 242 a, 238 a, and 236 b until the plug valve element is seated in the plug seat 236 ba of the internal passage 236 b of the tubular plug seat 236. As a result, the flow of fluidic materials through the lower portion of the internal passage 236 b of the tubular plug seat 236 is blocked. Continued injection of fluidic materials 250 into the apparatus 200, following the seating of the plug valve element 252 in the plug seat 236 ba of the internal passage 236 b of the tubular plug seat 236, pressurizes the internal annular passage 244 and thereby causes the rupture discs, 222 a and 222 b, to be ruptured thereby opening the internal passages, 220 c and 220 d, of the tubular support 220. As a result, fluidic materials 250 are then conveyed through the internal passages, 220 c and 220 d, thereby pressurizing a region within the apparatus 200 below the tubular expansion cone 218. As a result, the tubular support 212, tubular support 214, tubular support 216, tubular expansion cone 218, tubular support 220, and tubular stinger 224 are displaced upwardly in the direction 254 relative to the expandable tubular member 226, shoe 228, shoe insert 232, tubular plug seat 236, tubular body 238, sealing sleeve 242, and sliding sleeve valve 236 thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member.

During the continued upward displacement of the tubular support 212, tubular support 214, tubular support 216, tubular expansion cone 218, tubular support 220, and tubular stinger 224 in the direction 254 relative to the expandable tubular member 226, shoe 228, shoe insert 232, tubular plug seat 236, tubular body 238, sealing sleeve 242, and sliding sleeve valve 236, the upward movement of the sliding sleeve valve is prevented by the operation of the valve guide pin 248. Consequently, at some point, the collet fingers 246 d of the sliding sleeve valve 246 disengage from the external flange 224 d of the tubular stinger 224.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, and 9 d, during operation of the apparatus 200, before or after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 226, the tubular support 212, tubular support 214, tubular support 216, tubular expansion cone 218, tubular support 220, and tubular stinger 224 are displaced downwardly in the direction 256 relative to the expandable tubular member 226, shoe 228, shoe insert 232, tubular plug seat 236, tubular body 238, sealing sleeve 242, and sliding sleeve valve 236 by, for example, setting the apparatus down onto the bottom of the wellbore 36. As a result, the end of the sealing sleeve 242 that is received within the annulus defined between the interior surface of the other end of the tubular support 220 and the exterior surface of the tubular stinger 224 and that sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular support 220 is displaced upwardly relative to the tubular support and tubular stinger thereby preventing fluidic materials from passing through the annular passage 244 into the radial passages, 220 c and 220 d, of the tubular support. Furthermore, as a result, the other end of the tubular stinger 224 impacts and displaces the sliding sleeve valve 246 downwardly in the direction 258 thereby aligning the internal passages, 238 d and 238 e and 242 b and 242 c, of the tubular body 238 and sealing sleeve 242, respectively, with the internal passages, 246 b and 246 c, respectively, of the sliding sleeve valve. A hardenable fluidic sealing material 260 may then be injected into the apparatus 200 through the internal passages 214 a, 212 a, 220 b, 224 b, and 246 a, into and through the internal passages 238 d, 238 e, 242 b, 242 c, 246 b and 246 c, into and through the longitudinal grooves, 238 i and 238 j, into and through the internal passages, 236 a, 236 b, 238 b and 238 c, and then out of the apparatus through the internal passages 228 b, 228 c, 228 d of the shoe 228 f and 232 b and 232 c of the shoe insert 232 into the annulus between the exterior surface of the expandable tubular member 226 and the interior surface of the wellbore 36. As a result, an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material such as, for example, cement is formed within the annulus between the exterior surface of the expandable tubular member 226 and the interior surface of the wellbore 36. Before, during, or after the curing of the annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material, the apparatus may then be operated as described above with reference to FIG. 8 to radially expand and plastically deform the expandable tubular member 226.

In several exemplary embodiments, the expandable tubular members 26, 126, and/or 226 are radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/169,434, filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/183,546, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (8) U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,240, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,907, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (9) U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (10) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,916, filed on Oct. 18, 2001 as a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, (12) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/146,203, filed on Jul. 29, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/143,039, filed on Jul. 9, 1999, (14) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,982, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/438,828, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, (17) U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,875, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/679,907, on Oct. 5, 2000, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/089,419, filed on Mar. 27, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (19) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (20) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,992, filed on Nov. 22, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (22) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,051, filed on Mar. 14, 2003, (23) PCT application US02/2477, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,711, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (24) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/311,412, filed on Dec. 12, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (25) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,947, filed on Dec. 18, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (26) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,947, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, (27) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,648, filed on Mar. 31, 2003, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/237,334, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, (28) PCT application US02/04353, filed on Feb. 14, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/270,007, filed on Feb. 20, 2001, (29) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,835, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/262,434, filed on Jan. 17, 2001, (30) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,831, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,486, filed on Jan. 3, 2001, (31) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/452,303, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, (32) U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/850,093, filed on May 7, 2001, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (33) U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,227, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/852,026, filed on May 9, 2001, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (34) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,027, filed on May 9, 2001, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on 1217/98, (35) PCT Application US02/25608, filed on Aug. 13, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/318,021, filed on Sep. 7, 2001, (36) PCT Application US02/24399, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/313,453, filed on Aug. 20, 2001, (37) PCT Application US02/29856, filed on Sep. 19, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/326,886, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, (38) PCT Application US02/20256, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,740, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (39) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,469, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (40) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,470, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (41) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,471, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (42) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,467, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (43) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,468, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (44) PCT application US 02/25727, filed on Aug. 14, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/317,985, filed on Sep. 6, 2001, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/318,386, filed on Sep. 10, 2001, (45) PCT application US 02/39425, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/343,674, filed on Dec. 27, 2001, (46) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (47) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/516,467, filed on Dec. 10, 2001, which is a continuation application of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (48) PCT application US 03/00609, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/357,372, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, (49) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,703, filed on Feb. 12, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (50) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,244, filed on Feb. 12, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (51) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/076,660, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (52) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/076,661, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. 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No. 60/346,309, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, (67) PCT application US 03/06544, filed on Mar. 4, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/372,048, filed on Apr. 12, 2002, (68) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/331,718, filed on Dec. 30, 2002, which is a divisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (69) PCT application US 03/04837, filed on Feb. 29, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/363,829, filed on Mar. 13, 2002, (70) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,927, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (71) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/262,008, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (72) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,925, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (73) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/199,524, filed on Jul. 19, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (74) PCT application US 03/10144, filed on Mar. 28, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/372,632, filed on Apr. 15, 2002, (75) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,542, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (76) PCT application US 03/14153, filed on May 6, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/380,147, filed on May 6, 2002, (77) PCT application US 03/19993, filed on Jun. 24, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/397,284, filed on Jul. 19, 2002, (78) PCT application US 03/13787, filed on May 5, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/387,486, filed on Jun. 10, 2002, (79) PCT application US 03/18530, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/387,961, filed on Jun. 12, 2002, (80) PCT application US 03/20694, filed on Jul. 1, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/398,061, filed on Jul. 24, 2002, (81) PCT application US 03/20870, filed on Jul. 2, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/399,240, filed on Jul. 29, 2002, (82) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,487, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (83) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,488, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (84) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/280,356, filed on Oct. 25, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/850,093, filed on May 7, 2001, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (85) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,177, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (86) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,653, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (87) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/405,610, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, (88) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/405,394, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, (89) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,544, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (90) PCT application PCT/US03/24779, filed on Aug. 8, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/407,442, filed on Aug. 30, 2002, (91) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/423,363, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, (92) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,196, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (93) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,187, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (94) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,371, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (95) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/382,325, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. 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No. 60/442,938, filed on Jan. 27, 2003, (104) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/418,687, filed on Apr. 18, 2003, (105) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/454,896, filed on Mar. 14, 2003, (106) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/450,504, filed on Feb. 26, 2003, (107) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/451,152, filed on Mar. 9, 2003, (108) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,124, filed on Mar. 17, 2003, (109) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/453,678, filed on Mar. 11, 2003, (110) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/421,682, filed on Apr. 23, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (111) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/457,965, filed on Mar. 27, 2003, (112) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,718, filed on Mar. 18, 2003, (113) U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,821, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/811,734, filed on Mar. 19, 2001, (114) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/436,467, filed on May 12, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, (115) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/459,776, filed on Apr. 2, 2003, (116) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/461,094, filed on Apr. 8, 2003, (117) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/461,038, filed on Apr. 7, 2003, (118) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/463,586, filed on Apr. 17, 2003, (119) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/472,240, filed on May 20, 2003, (120) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/619,285, filed on Jul. 14, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, and (121) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/418,688, which was filed on Apr. 18, 2003, as a division of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a tubular support member defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages and comprising internal splines; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the tubular support member; a tubular stinger defining an internal passage coupled to and positioned within the tubular support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member; a tubular member coupled to the shoe defining an internal passage comprising a plug seat, one or more upper radial flow ports positioned above the plug seat, and one or more lower radial flow ports positioned below the plug seat, and comprising an external flange for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and external splines for engaging the internal splines of the tubular support member, wherein an end of the tubular member receives an end of the tubular stinger and is also received within and sealingly engages and end of the tubular support member; and a tubular sliding sleeve valve received within and sealingly engaging the internal passage of the tubular member defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages and comprising a collet for releasably engaging an end of the tubular stinger. In an exemplary embodiment, the radial passages of the tubular support member are positioned above the tubular stinger. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the tubular member comprises a composite material.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure comprises: means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure before radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure comprises: means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure before or after radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure comprises: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure before radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure comprises: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure after radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more pressure sensors coupled to the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; and a movable valve coupled to the support member for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the interior of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensors comprise frangible elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensors comprise valve elements for controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the interior of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the support member defines one or more radial passages; and wherein the valve elements are positioned within corresponding radial passages in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a tubular member movably coupled to the support member that defines an internal passage having a plug seat. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable valve is received within the internal passage of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member defines one or more radial passages; and wherein the movable valve defines one or more radial passages. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member sealingly engages an interior surface of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable valve element is releasably coupled to the support member.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member defining one or more radial passages; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more frangible valve elements coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a tubular member defining an internal passage having a plug seat and one or more radial passages movably coupled to the support member and coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member and sealing engaging an interior surface of another portion of the second portion of the expandable tubular member; and a movable valve defining one or more radial passages releasably coupled to the support member and positioned within the internal passage of the tubular member.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes injecting fluidic material into the tubular member; sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material; and if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material comprises sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material using a sensor positioned within the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then permitting the injected fluidic material to pass through a flow passage within the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, method further comprises: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through and out of the interior of the expandable tubular member into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: preventing the injected hardenable fluidic sealing material from passing though the flow passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure before radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure after radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes sensing the operating pressure within the tubular member; and if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined valve, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; and if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined valve, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: during the radially expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member, displacing the expansion device away from the valve elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: supporting the tubular member within the preexisting structure using a support member; and releasably coupling one or more of the valve elements to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: coupling the valve elements to an end of the tubular member.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes supporting the tubular member within the preexisting structure using a support member; controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements that are coupled to an end of the tubular member; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; and if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined valve, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device; wherein during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member using the expansion device, the expansion device is displaced away from the valve elements; and wherein one or more of the valve elements are releasably coupled to the support member.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the teachings of the present illustrative embodiments may be used to provide a wellbore casing, a pipeline, or a structural support. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus of the present application is provided substantially as illustrated in Appendix A. 

1. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising; a tubular support member defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages and comprising internal splines; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the tubular support member; a tubular stinger defining an internal passage coupled to and positioned within the tubular support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member; a tubular member coupled to the shoe defining an internal passage comprising a plug seat, one or more upper radial flow ports positioned above the plug seat, and one or more lower radial flow ports positioned below the plug seat, and comprising an external flange for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and external splines for engaging the internal splines of the tubular support member, wherein an end of the tubular member receives an end of the tubular stinger and is also received within and sealingly engages and end of the tubular support member; and a tubular sliding sleeve valve received within and sealingly engaging the internal passage of the tubular member defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages and comprising a collet for releasably engaging an end of the tubular stinger.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radial passages of the tubular support member are positioned above the tubular stinger.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tubular member comprises a composite material.
 4. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more pressure sensors coupled to the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a tubular member coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member and movably coupled to the support member; and a movable valve coupled to the support member and positioned within the tubular member for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the interior of the expandable tubular member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pressure sensors comprise frangible elements.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pressure sensors comprise valve elements for controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the interior of the expandable tubular member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support member defines one or more radial passages; and wherein the valve elements are positioned within corresponding radial passages.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the tubular member defines an internal passage having a plug seat.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the movable valve element is releasably coupled to the support member.
 10. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more pressure sensors coupled to the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a movable valve coupled to the support member for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the interior of the expandable tubular member; and a tubular member movably coupled to the support member that defines an internal passage having a plug seat; wherein the movable valve is received within the internal passage of the tubular member; wherein the tubular member defines one or more radial passages; and wherein the movable valve defines one or more radial passages.
 11. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more pressure sensors coupled to the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a movable valve coupled to the support member for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the interior of the expandable tubular member; and a tubular member movably coupled to the support member that defines an internal passage having a plug seat; wherein the tubular member sealingly engages an interior surface of the expandable tubular member.
 12. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member defining one or more radial passages; an expansion device coupled to the support member comprising an external expansion surface; one or more frangible valve elements coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the support member; an expandable tubular member coupled to the expansion surface of the expansion device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; a tubular member defining an internal passage having a plug seat and one or more radial passages movably coupled to the support member and coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member and sealing engaging an interior surface of another portion of the second portion of the expandable tubular member; and a movable valve defining one or more radial passages releasably coupled to the support member and positioned within the internal passage of the tubular member.
 13. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: injecting fluidic material into the tubular member; sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material; if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and injecting a hardenable fluiclic sealing material through and out of the interior of the expandable tubular member into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material comprises sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material using a sensor positioned within the expandable tubular member.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then permitting the injected fluidic material to pass through a flow passage within the expandable tubular member.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure after radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.
 17. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: injecting fluidic material into the tubular member; sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material; if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predeteimined value, then permitting the injected fluidic material to pass through a flow passage within the expandable tubular member; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through and out of the interior of the expandable tubular member into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: preventing the injected hardenable fluidic sealing material from passing though the flow passage.
 19. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: injecting fluidic material into the tubular member; sensing the operating pressure of the injected fluidic material; if the sensed operating pressure of the injected fluidic material exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing into an annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure before radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.
 20. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: sensing the operating pressure within the tubular member; if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through and out of the interior of the expandable tubular member into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure.
 21. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through and out of the interior of the expandable tubular member into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: during the radially expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member, displacing the expansion device away from the valve elements.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: coupling the valve elements to an end of the tubular member.
 24. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device; supporting the tubular member within the preexisting structure using a support member; and releasably coupling one or more of the valve elements to the support member.
 25. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: supporting the tubular member within the preexisting structure using a support member; controlling the flow of fluidic materials within the tubular member using one or more movable valve elements that are coupled to an end of the tubular member; sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic materials within the tubular member; if the sensed operating pressure within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined value, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure using an expansion device; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through and out of the interior of the expandable tabular member into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure; wherein during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member using the expansion device, the expansion device is displaced away from the valve elements; and wherein one or more of the valve elements are releasably coupled to the support member. 